Amid a barrage of new additions around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers have found their backup five in Sandro Mamukelashvili.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Mamu intends to join the Lakers on a four-year, $52 million deal. A breakout big man who thrived up north, he capitalizes on a career campaign to bring much-needed stability to the purple and gold.
Lakers Free Agency: LA Adds Toronto’s Breakout Big Man on 4-Year Deal
The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported Monday night that Mamukelashvili became a name to watch for LA.
“Mamukelashvili declined his $2.8 million option with the Raptors Monday, with league sources believing he could command $10 million or more in free agency.
“He’s coming off a career season in Toronto, when he averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds over 80 games with the Raptors, making 38.9 percent of his 3.7 3-point attempts per game.”
“The league believes Sandro Mamukelashvilli is headed to the Lakers. That’s what people in the league believe. And he would basically replace Rui Hachimura.”
– Brian Windhorst
(h/t @TheLakersReview ) pic.twitter.com/buGvcmSJ18
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 30, 2026
A solid stretch four/five who thrives in transition, Mamukelashvili can energize the Lakers’ second unit with his hustle, IQ and shooting. After years of limited opportunities between Milwaukee and San Antonio, the former second-round pick proved his worth during his first season in Toronto. He had several double-digit scoring streaks throughout the campaign and tallied seven 20-point games, all on decent efficiency.
Mamu is also a fluid mover at 6’9” and 240 pounds, combining strength and skill to succeed at the rim—whether that’s taking contact in the paint or getting himself open in the dunker spot. Despite his struggles in the Raptors’ first-round playoff exit, Mamu certainly warranted a significant raise on his next deal, and he’s earned it under the bright lights of Los Angeles.
At the same time, Mamukelashvili comes with notable concerns. He is an offensive hub whose defense was exposed against the Cleveland Cavaliers’ towering frontcourt. Additionally, unlike the Lakers’ recent bigs or their notable summertime targets, he is not exactly a lob threat, relying more on strength and skill as opposed to verticality.
The Last Word
Moments after upgrading the starting center spot with Walker Kessler, Mamukelashvili slides in as a reliable backup big man, offering more stability at a previously volatile position and being a crucial investment for the team’s depth in the middle.
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